76

Taehyung

"Turn around," I ordered softly.

Jungkook did as he was told and gave me his back.

"Is the water too hot?" I asked, soaping up his spine.

"No," he replied quietly.

I smiled at his answer and continued to rub down his legs and then turned him around. Squeezing some shampoo in my palm, I massaged it into his hair.

Jungkook closed his eyes and leaned toward me. I chuckled and quickly rinsed him off.

"There you go. All done."

I kissed his lips and helped him out of the shower. After wrapping towels around us both, I dried his hair.

Jungkook opened his eyes and staring, his eyes void of any emotion, "Thank you." He then sighed almost dreamily before leaning against my chest.

"Does that feel good?"

"Yes." He said nodding.

"Do you want me to brush your hair?"

"Please."

We walked into the bedroom and he settled on the bed. I climbed behind him and started to comb his hair until it was smooth and shiny.

"All done," I muttered, kissing his shoulder, "You look beautiful, Angel."

I saw a hint of a smile on his lips and made me giddy, seeing our progress.

"The most beautiful."

The corner of his lips tilted up in a ghost smile.

"What about me?" I teased.

I got off the bed and stood in front of him. Jungkook stared up at me, his mouth open. I knew I was pushing it. Jungkook didn't speak more than a few words.

Yes.

No.

Okay.

Please.

Thank you.

If he spoke, it was only to me and sometimes he would speak a sentence if it was something he wanted to say but that was rare.

Jungkook was mostly quiet and observant, it drove Jimin crazy that he wouldn't speak to him.

If he showed any emotions, it was because I did something that reminded him of the past. He still hadn't played a song on the piano but I knew being in that room brought him peace, just like the creek. He always wore a serene look on his face whenever he was there.

Jungkook's eyes would twinkle in the slightest way, showing the little bits of happiness he was feeling in those moments. He cleared his throat, snapping me out of my thoughts. He bit down on his lips nervously and looked down at his lap.

"It's okay," I quickly amended.

Holding his chin, I smiled, "You don't have to say anything you don't want to."

Kissing him on the forehead, I pulled away, "I need to go change."

"You are beautiful."

My mouth fell open and I quickly snapped it shut. I almost choked on my breath and had to swallow several times. He had said it quickly and was avoiding my eyes.

I smiled.

Jungkook was so precious.

I couldn't help but smirk when I answered, "Thank you, Angel. Although I wouldn't have minded if you called me sinfully, deliciously sexy. It would have done great wonders for my already big ego," he sucked in a surprised breath, his eyes widening, "You remember that too?" I muttered.

When he didn't answer, I kissed his lips and pulled away, "I need to take care of some things. You can nap, we will go to the piano room when I get back."

Jungkook nodded mutely and I went into the closet. After dressing, I walked out to see him already in bed, giving him a final glance, I walked out.

I met Seokjin in the gym, "Jungkook spoke for the first time when he saw me hurt," I started.

Seokjin stared at me in surprise and then smirked before bursting into laughter, "Oh, this is going to be fun. So how badly do you want me to fvck you up?" he asked, moving closer, "Can I use your spiral knife?"

"Fvck you," I growled.

~~~

I opened the door and saw Jungkook sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the wall.

His eyes snapped toward mine, I stayed hidden in the shadows, "I'll wait for you in the piano room."

Without a second glance, I left the room and went next door. Settling in my chair and waited, the door opened and I heard a gasp, "Taehyung," he breathed.

I closed my eyes at his angelic voice. The sound of my name coming from his lips was euphoria.

For so long, I waited for this - For him to say my name.

Opening my eyes again, I saw Jungkook coming toward me, kneeling between my legs, "What... ha... ppened?"

His voice was soft but it was his eyes that got to me. Jungkook looked at me as if he was in pain, "You are hurt," he whispered, looking down at my bloodied hands.

He was feeling my pain.

Jungkook searched my face and he winced when he saw the bruises there, "I was sparring. It's nothing."

"But you are hurt," Jungkook said, taking my hands he bit on his lips nervously before looking around the room.

I knew what he was looking for.

"The first aid box is in our room. The first drawer in the closet," I muttered.

Jungkook stared at me for a second, recognition flashed in his eyes before he nodded and got up and left the room as I closed my eyes with a sigh.

I was so fvcking proud of his.

When he came back, I opened my eyes and saw him kneeling between my legs. He went through the first aid box and helped him pick the antiseptic wipes and bandages. He stared at my hands for a second, his eyebrows furrowed. His gaze went up to mine before moving to my hands then Jungkook slowly cleaned my knuckles.

Gently and with care.

My angel cleaned the blood off and blew softly over my ripped skin.

I couldn't take my eyes off.

Was he feeling this connection too?

Did this moment mean something to him?

When he was done, he wrapped the bandages around my hands.

"Thank you, Angel."

Jungkook nodded mutely, still staring at my hands, confused.

"Does this seem familiar?" I finally asked.

Jungkook gave me a sharp nod, "You've done this before. In this same room. And just like today, you were hurting for me."

His fingers caressed my bandaged knuckles.

"You might have forgotten me but I remember. I remember us. You used to play the piano every night for me. You would read while sitting on my lap. I would play with your hair while working. Somedays we would go to the creek. You'd play in the water. I was always scared that you would fall and get hurt," I explained, my voice rough with emotion.

He moved closer to me and laid his head on my thigh.

"Your favourite flower is the white peony. You love the pink one too. You love reading. You don't know how to dance, I don't know either but we danced together. Your favourite food is pasta. You like chocolate, especially white chocolate. You hate dark chocolate - it's too bitter for you. You would get mad if I didn't wake you up in the morning when I was leaving. I would get mad if you

didn't kiss me good morning."

Jungkook closed his eyes as I caressed his cheek, "You said I was your peace, your anchor and your saviour. You are my Angel. We are one. I just need you to remember."

He stayed silent, I could see the calmness overtake his gorgeous face. After a few minutes of silence, I spoke, "Play for me, Angel."

Jungkook sat up and stared at me.

Our eyes making contact.

Brown to blue.

He let out a resigned sigh.

I knew it was harder for him to remember.

"Give it a try, Angel."

Jungkook got up, when he settled on the bench, I stood up and went to him. Standing behind, I placed my hand over his shoulder, he placed his fingers on the keyboard, and I waited.

He pressed a key, a note played and then another key.

Two notes and he stopped.

His shoulder dropped in defeat.

When I couldn't bear the dejected look on his face any longer, I leaned forward, "It's okay, Angel. We have all the time. You can try when you are ready. I won't push you."

Jungkook stayed quiet, I kissed his cheek before moving my lips to his ear. I whispered the one thing I had been desperate to say for a long time. He stiffened and saw his hands shaking, my lips turned up in a smile.

When I saw a single tear trail down his cheek, I kissed it away and whispered the words again, "I love you, my Angel."

The words slipped past my lips effortlessly without any remorse, only full with adoration for the man in front of me.

A year ago, I wouldn't have believed those words were possible.

Now, it felt like I would suffocate if I didn't say them.

My chest felt lighter, I finally could breathe. Ever since Jungkook was taken from me, I regretted never saying those words to him.

I never realized them before.

I never thought of loving someone.

Hell, I never thought I was capable of loving someone.

The moment Jungkook was snatched from me, I realized my mistake. He was everything and more, I would cherish him for the rest of our lives.

My hand lingered on Jungkook's cheek, another tear fell, I trailed the drop with the tip of my finger. I saw him breathing change, his cheeks flushed beautifully.

Jungkook closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath.

I waited for his reaction.

I waited for him to say something - anything.

When he didn't respond, I kissed his cheek and leaned back, giving him space. I would wait for him for as long as he needed.

Jungkook opened his eyes again and stared at the piano. With his fingers resting on the keyboard, he caressed the piano keys gently. He appeared lost in his thoughts, his eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as a frustrated sound escaped past his lips and saw droplets of sweat start to form on his forehead and neck. When his hands tightened in fists, my heart sank.

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I lifted Jungkook, taking his place on the bench. Pulling him on my lap, he froze for a moment. I saw him swallow hard before slowly settling against me after a while he burrowed in my chest and sighed almost dreamily.

"You want to remember, don't you?" I asked, holding his hands in mine.

Jungkook nodded, hiding his face in my chest.

I sighed, entwining our fingers together, "I want you to remember too."

Jungkook didn't say anything.

Silence fell upon us, for the first time, I didn't like the silence between us.

I wanted his voice.

Jungkook took his hands out of mine and placed them on the piano again. I sucked in a sharp breath as his fingers made contact with the piano keys. He pressed down on the keys, a few notes filled the room. My heart stuttered when he closed his eyes, a pained look on his face.

My Angel hiccupped back a sob and pushed his face in my chest again, his voice was a mere whisper, "I... can't..."

Tilting his head up, I kissed him softly. "Let me in, Angel. Just give me a chance to prove to you that there is a beautiful world out there. Let me love you the way you deserve," I begged against his wobbling lips.

Jungkook brought his hands up, hovering over my cheeks for a second. I caught the flash of uncertainty on his face before he finally palmed my cheeks. His eyes were closed, his fingers moved over my jaw. He mindlessly caressed my cheek as he let out a pained sigh.

"I don't remember. I try but I can't," he laid his head on my shoulder, his hand still touching me.

"My head... hurts when I try," Jungkook brought his other hand to my chest, "And it hurts here too. I don't want to remember... because it hurts."

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until my chest began to burn. I forced myself to relax even though I was feeling anything but calm.

A mixture of grief, pain, regret and love swamped me as I fought to catch my breath.

So much grief for everything we had lost.

And love - for this man.

I held his hand firmly against my chest, right over my wildly beating heart. "I'm in pain too, Angel," I said quietly. "Every time I see you in pain, it hurts."

Jungkook's hand paused over my cheek, "I... don't want you to... hurt. I don't like it."

I held him tighter, sadness so thick in my chest I could barely breathe. My heart ached at his words and the sorrow in his voice.

This man, I shook my head, he was hurt and in pain, yet he was worried for me.

"Taehyung," he murmured.

My lungs squeezed at the sound of my name.

"Do you know how much I love hearing my name from your lips?"

I would never grow tired of hearing Jungkook say my name.

He hummed against my neck, "I remember your name. And... your eyes."

My lips tilted in a small smile, he remembered me, "Say my name again," I begged softly.

"Taehyung," he whispered.

I felt a smile without even seeing it, my smile widened. My chest finally feeling lighter. Placing a kiss on his forehead, I stood up with Jungkook in my arms. He wrapped his arms around my neck, holding on to me as I carried us back to our room. Just when I was about to place Jungkook on the bed, I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," I called out, already knowing who it was.

Jungkook settled on the bed and looked over my should, a half-smile curved his lips, his face softened.

"Ah, there is my boy," Hae-sook said, stopping beside the bed. She pushed me away and sat down beside Jungkook.

Hae-sook placed a small bowl of warm coconut oil on the nightstand. "Are you ready for your warm milk?" she asked with a wink.

Jungkook nodded enthusiastically, he looked up at me, a beautiful smile playing across his lips. His cheeks were slightly flushed with giddy excitement.

My angel looked... happy.

A little shy but at peace.

"Here," Hae-sook said, adjusting the pillow and helping Jungkook recline back.

Jungkook nodded again, he bit on his lips, suddenly looking nervous. His eyes went up to meet mine before quickly moving back to Hae-sook, "It tastes good," he whispered.

Hae-sook paused, her lips parting in surprise. It was the first time Jungkook spoke to her. From where I was standing, I saw tears forming in her eyes, she looked down at Jungkook.

"I'm glad," Hae-sook replied, her voice a little hoarse.

I took a few steps back, giving them privacy, this was their moment. Hae-sook talked mindlessly and Jungkook, he listened attentively, taking every word in.

After taking the empty mug, Hae-sook pulled the comforter over him. Jungkook was almost asleep, his eyes were drooping, his breathing evening out. A small contented smile was still on his lips.

Hae-sook came to stand in front of me, she patted my cheeks. "Keep doing what you're doing. He... spoke to me after so long. And I know, if it wasn't for you fighting to bring him back, he would have never taken that step. It's all you."

My chest grew tight at her words.

My eyes moved to Jungkook's sleeping form, I could almost feel my heart stutter.

"He's been through hell, but you give him so much love, all the love you can give, so it'll erase his pain and suffering. Don't stop loving him," Hae-sook whispered before leaving.

She closed the door, leaving me alone with her words ringing through my ears.

Jungkook has been through hell.

I pinched my eyes closed at the reminder.

My beautiful Angel.

I dug my hand into my hair, I was the cause of his pain and suffering. If I had protected him, this wouldn't have happened.

I fvcking failed.

My eyes opened to see Jungkook sound asleep, my throat felt tight.

Jungkook had to live through hell.

He broke my Angel.

I took a step toward the bed, fighting the tears.

If only I could rewrite the past.

Don't stop loving him.

Never.

I could never stop loving Jungkook.

It was impossible.

He was under my skin, etched deep in my heart.

Jungkook had broken through my walls and was there to stay.

My father was right.

I was incomplete without him.

Jungkook was like a drug - The most addictive kind.

Stopping in front of the bed, I caressed Jungkook's hair. He moaned sleepily and didn't wake up.

Smiling, I climbed on the bed and pulled him into my arms.

Jungkook settled in my embrace and wrapped his arm around my waist. He pushed his face in my chest and sighed sleepily.

My angel once said that he was fire.

I had to agree.

We were both burning, but it was too late.

There was no stopping our love - it was indestructible.